I say, after brekkers do you want to see if Tollers from the Bodder wants to play some rugger or soccer for eccer? This “er” slang abbreviation came from Oxford University, where it has been in use since the 19th century.

Ozeye [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

As a cutesy abbreviation it is – I’m sure – mostly used satirically. I mean, consider terms like “Maggers Memoggers,” “Pragger Wagger,” and “congratters.” Would, could, anyone use those sincerely?

As a form of abbreviation, I’ve also seen this in Australian English, along with the Aussie “-ie” (barbie, mozzie, pokie, cardie) and “-o” (agro, arvo, journo, and mo). I couldn’t tell you if they’re related to the Oxford “-er,” but given the antipodean antipathy to ostentatious class markers I doubt it.

• Oxford “-er”
• Diminutives in Australian English

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The Generalist

I live in Auckland, New Zealand, and am curious about most things.